NASA recently published images documenting a new crater on the moon. This crater is the result of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage colliding with the lunar surface on August 5. The upper stage of the rocket traveled at 5,400 mph during the impact after remaining in space for over a year.
While the crash was not a planned event, NASA reports that lunar impacts are an accepted method for disposing of spent space hardware. The images captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter provide clear before-and-after views of the site, marking the specific location where the wreckage struck the ground.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing space debris as launch activity increases. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter continues to monitor the lunar surface for such impacts, providing data on the long-term effects of human hardware discarded in space. Public reaction has focused on the environmental impact of these practices on the moon.